OFFICIALS have given the green light to a controversial housing scheme.

Kirklees Council planners have given Persimmon Homes permission to build 12 flats, 38 houses and one office unit on the site at Abbey Road North, Shepley.

Protesters said the site was unsuitable for housing, due to poor access, pressures on local schools and a risk of flooding from nearby Shepley Dyke.

But planning officials gave permission, subject to a number of agreements between the council and Persimmon, which, they say, will resolve any outstanding issues.

Senior planning officer Steve Hopwood said the development would have a mix of affordable two and three-bedroomed houses for sale, with around 20% of the new homes being passed on to a housing association and rented out.

He added: "The scheme has been amended quite significantly since the first plans.

"There is a need for affordable housing in this area and, hopefully, this development will go some way to meeting local need.

"More consideration has also been given to public open spaces and strengthening the educational infrastructures of local schools.